Omar Abdullah appeals not to fall for rumours

New Delhi, February 9, 2013: In the aftermath of execution of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday appealed for calm and asked people not allow those with vested interests to exploit the situation.

"I understand there is a certain degree of anger as a result of execution. I also understand there are among us those who would like to exploit the situation for their own personal and political advantage thereby putting the people of the state to more inconvenience," Omar said in a brief interaction with reporters.

Instructing police and para-military forces for exercising maximum restraint while dealing with any situation, the Chief Minister in his appeal to people said, "Please allow us to get through this period. Please do not let the situation go out of hands".

"Please do not indulge in any violent protests that will make matters worse," he said.

Omar also appealed to media, especially electronic media, to cross check the facts before putting out any stories.

"Please check, cross check and re-verify before putting out any story. My experience during 2010 was that many a times, in order to break the news, rumours and not facts are used."

Omar said Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde had informed him last night that Afzal Guru's hanging will take place at 8 AM today as all the judicial process had been completed.

"The Jammu and Kashmir police and para-military forces are carrying out their duty," he said.